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#GirlTalk: How To Take Care Of Your Lady Parts

Ladies, here’s a fun fact: your clitoris alone has about 8,000 nerve endings, compared to the 4,000 nerve endings on a penis. If that’s not reason enough to take extra-special care of your lady bits, we don’t know what is! Vaginal health is a often ignored topic of discussion. And while you can live without it, do you really want to?
If you’ve ever fallen victim to one ugly infection or another - or just want to keep things healthy down there - read on for 9 easy steps to keep your “princess of pleasure” healthy and joyous!

1. Gorge on yoghurt

Mom was right -a bowl of yoghurt a day keeps the gynae away. Not only does this magic potion help cure the largely prevalent yeast infections, it also keeps your gut healthy and clean. It’s no secret that yoghurt is loaded with healthy bacteria, or live cultures also known as probiotics - these live cultures help maintain your vagina’s slightly-acidic pH levels. As an added benefit, you can pick a yoghurt that is calorie-free! Throw in some fresh fruits and nuts for a healthy breakfast.

2. Stick to cotton underwear

As pretty as lacy lingerie looks on that mannequin, and as sexy as it feels come date night with your partner, your nether regions don’t like them all the time. Synthetic being an artificial fibre that’s high on thread-count doesn’t allow your skin to breathe, leading to infections like candidiasis. So, keep the racy ones for a special night in (where you won’t have to keep them on for long) and dig out those cute cotton ones for every other time!

3. Go commando

Gynecologists world over recommend going to bed without any and all undergarments. And you thought that was applicable only for your pokey bra? Freedom must be whole, we say!

4. Stay away from douching

Yes, tampons and condoms leave some residue behind inside the vaginal cavity. That does not, however, mean that we take it upon ourselves to clean our vessel. What most of us ought to know is: our vagina functions like a boss. With the monthly cycle and normal discharge, any and all residue is also flushed out. So, go ahead, let your period and protection choices be devoid of worries - you can leave the rest to the “V-dawg”!

5. Steer clear of soaps and perfumed body washes

Meera Verma, consultant gynecologist at Fortis Hospital, Mohali, says our vaginas aren’t as demanding as the rest of our body. “What most women don’t know is that the vagina is self-cleaning. It doesn’t require the help of soaps or body washes. But, keep in mind that we’re referring here only to the vagina, and not the vulva, which is the outer region. The vulva does need cleaning, but not as often as every day, and certainly not with soapy products; they’re too dehydrating. Instead, use a feminine care product like VWash twice or thrice a week, especially the morning after sex,” she suggests.

6. Go easy on the antibiotics

The basic idea of consuming antibiotics is to kill bacteria. In the process, however, these pills end up killing our gut’s good bacteria too, causing the yeast in our tract to multiply, and hence increasing the chances of yeast infection. So go easy on those pills!

7. Work those pelvic muscles

As always, the solution to most of our problems lies in exercising. To keep your pelvic floor and vag muscles strong, though, you’ll have to add Kegel exercises to your workout routine at least twice a week. (P.S.: Kegel exercises not only lead to a stronger and healthier vagina but also better sex!)

8. Keep it moisture-free

All bacteria need a warm and damp environment to grow. And our mission is to not give them that! Travelling or not, keep a roll of toilet paper handy - always, always.